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Why is free never free? Why does TurboTax bait and switch on pricing?

The app was suppose to be free but then they just tried to charge $170 when it was all said and done. So free I guess doesn’t mean free
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Why is free never free? Why does TurboTax bait and switch on pricing?

The TurboTax Free online edition is for very simple tax returns that do not require any other form or schedule other than the Form 1040.  If your tax data requires entry on any other form or schedule then you must upgrade to the Deluxe edition or higher.

 

If you have not paid for the online edition you are using, have not filed your tax return or registered the Free edition, then you can clear your return and start over with a lower priced edition. Click on Switch Products on the lower left side of the program screen while working on the 2025 online tax return. Click on Clear & Start Over

 

Go to this TurboTax website for the Free online edition - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp

 

Please Note -

TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Form 1040 Returns with Limited Credits

A Form 1040 return with limited credits is one that's filed using IRS Form 1040 only (with the exception of the specific covered situations described below). Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.

If you have a Form 1040 return and are claiming limited credits only, you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition or TurboTax Live Assisted Basic (if available), or you can file with TurboTax Full Service at the listed price.

Situations covered (assuming no added tax complexity):

  • W-2 income
  • Interest or dividends (1099-INT/1099-DIV) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
  • IRS standard deduction
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  • Child Tax Credit (CTC)
  • Student loan interest deduction

    Situations not covered:

    • Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A
    • Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
    • Business or 1099-NEC income
    • Stock sales (including crypto investments)
    • Rental property income
    • Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules

Why is free never free? Why does TurboTax bait and switch on pricing?

For truly free filing you must visit IRS FREE FILE page ( link on the Home page ) and select a provider that includes your state tax return.

Only 3% of eligible filers use this, which is strange but shows the power of TV advertising.

 

@joeldtracy 

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